Issues to Consider Before Selecting a Study Abroad Program

Answering the following questions can help you define what type of study abroad experience would be best for you:

EXAMINE YOUR OBJECTIVES

• What aspects of study abroad are important to you--courses, locale, cultural experiences, learning a language, travel?

INITIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Where would you like to study?
• What is your foreign language ability?
• How long do you want to stay--a semester, a summer, a year?
• How much does the program cost? (NOTE: For example, IU programs are based on IU tuition)
• Will you need financial assistance to carry out your plans? (Most regular financial aid may be applied to the cost of IU overseas study programs, but may not always apply to programs sponsored by other institutions).

ACADEMIC CONSIDERATIONS

• Does your GPA meet the requirement?
• Do you want to take classes in English or the local language?
• How important is it to receive academic credit?
• Do you have specific degree requirements to fulfill while overseas?
• What do departmental advisors think of your plans?

PERSONAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Would you prefer to study with other Americans, students of the host country, or with a combination of both?
• Do you want a study abroad program to arrange your housing, meals, curriculum and travel or would you prefer to make these arrangements yourself?
• Would you prefer to live with a family, with students from the host country, or with other Americans?